November 22, 2012

Dez Bryant has 26 catches for 290 yards and three TDs in four-day span

For the second time in five days, Cowboys receiver Dez Bryant racked up the most receiving yards in his three-year career. The 24-year-old wideout caught 11 passes from Tony Romo for 145 yards and two touchdowns. His 85-yard catch and sprint in the third quarter was the longest Cowboys' scoring play since 2000.

Bryant's Thanksgiving effort followed up 145 yards on 15 receptions and a score in Sunday's 23-20 overtime victory over Cleveland. Before his outburst this week, Bryant's previous career best was 110 yards against the New York Giants on Oct. 28.

The third-year pro now has five career 100-yard games, with four coming this season. Bryant is looking like the top-tier breakaway threat that his freakish ability suggested since leaving Oklahoma State.

"Dez is really coming on becoming a special and elite player, not only with the big plays but with the underneath throws as well," tight end Jason Witten said. "All that means nothing when you're not winning."

Bryant would have soared to a new career high had he come down with a jump ball in the end zone with about a minute left. The Cowboys (5-6) were still clinging to hope, albeit fleeting, in what was a 10-point game (38-28) at the time.

Romo had launched the prayer from the Washington 44. Bryant got his hands on the ball in the back of the end zone, only to have it dislodged by Redskins safety Madieu Williams.

"I was really, really, really, really pissed, but I didn't see that guy coming," Bryant said. "He made a good play. As I was getting ready to bring the ball in to secure it, he hit me underneath the chin.

"I was hoping the refs seen it. But, hey, they didn't. If I would have seen that guy coming, I would have adjusted myself to make that play."